Name: Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts (or thighs); 2 cups white beans (cannellini or great northern); 4 cups chicken broth; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 jalapeño, sliced; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 4 ounces cream cheese; 0.5 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 27 reviews

Get ready to fall in love with Cajun White Chicken Chili! This is not your typical chili—imagine a creamy, spicy medley where tender shredded chicken swims alongside white beans, sweet bell peppers, and a gentle kick of jalapeño, all swirled together with bold Cajun flavors. Whether you’re seeking cozy comfort on a chilly evening or want a meal prep superstar, this dish brings a little zing and Southern hospitality to your kitchen in just under an hour.

Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to the best Cajun White Chicken Chili is nailing that perfect harmony of flavors and textures—every ingredient adds something special, from the creamy base to those bright pops of fresh herbs. You likely have most of these on hand, and each one is essential to building a bowl that’s rich, satisfying, and irresistibly comforting.

Chicken breasts or thighs: Shredded chicken soaks up all those wonderful Cajun flavors and creates a hearty, protein-packed base.
White beans (cannellini or great northern): These bring a creamy bite and help make the chili thick and satisfying.
Chicken broth: The perfect backdrop for letting all those ingredients mingle into a cozy soup.
Onion: Sautéed onion creates a sweet, mellow foundation that supports the spices beautifully.
Garlic: Essential for depth and a savory backbone to every spoonful.
Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and brings a subtle sweetness that balances the heat.
Jalapeño: For just the right amount of kick—keep or adjust based on your spice preference!
Cajun seasoning: The soul of the recipe, delivering spicy, smoky, and savory notes.
Cream cheese: Makes the chili luxuriously creamy with a slight tang.
Heavy cream: Rounds out the broth for silky richness—an absolute must for comfort food status.
Lime juice: Adds brightness and lifts all the bold flavors in the bowl.
Fresh cilantro: Brings a burst of freshness and color to finish the dish.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken and sauté vegetables perfectly.

How to Make Cajun White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken dry and seasoning both sides generously with salt, pepper, and one tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and sear the chicken until golden on both sides—it should take about 3–4 minutes per side. This browning step locks in flavor and sets you up for irresistibly juicy shreds. Once seared, remove the chicken from the pot; you’ll shred it later.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot (leave all those tasty browned bits!), add your chopped onion, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and sliced jalapeño. Sauté on medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the veggies become soft and everything smells amazing. The vegetables will start to soak up the remaining Cajun spice and chicken juices, building a mouthwatering base.

Step 3: Build the Chili Base

Pour in your chicken broth and add the white beans and the rest of the Cajun seasoning. Stir everything together, scraping any flavorful bits from the bottom. Return your shredded chicken to the pot now. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for 20–30 minutes, so all those flavors can mingle and deepen.

Step 4: Creamy Finish

Time for the magic touch! Add the cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring until both have melted completely into the broth. You’ll notice the chili turn rich, creamy, and pale golden. Don’t rush this step—it ensures velvety smoothness you’ll crave with every bite.

Step 5: Brighten and Serve

Just before serving, stir in the lime juice for a pop of freshness that makes those Cajun spices shine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as you like. Ladle into bowls and get ready to garnish to your heart’s content—your Cajun White Chicken Chili is ready!

How to Serve Cajun White Chicken Chili

Garnishes

The toppings are half the fun! Scatter fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños for extra heat, or wedges of lime for even more zing. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese adds cooling creaminess that balances the bold Cajun kick. If you’re hosting, let everyone dress their own bowl for a personal touch.

Side Dishes

Pair your steaming bowl of Cajun White Chicken Chili with warm cornbread, crispy tortilla chips, or a toasted baguette to soak up all that luscious broth. If you’re in the mood for greens, a simple salad dressed with lime vinaigrette makes a refreshing side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, serve your chili in mini bread bowls or over rice for a Southern twist. Offer a “chili bar” with different toppings (think crushed chips, avocado, or pickled onions), or fill mason jars for a fun meal-prep lunch. Presentation inspiration is limited only by your cravings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cajun White Chicken Chili tastes even better the next day—trust me, those flavors only get deeper and more delicious. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will keep fresh for up to 4 days. Just give it a quick stir before reheating as some separation is natural.

Freezing

If you want to save a batch for later, you can absolutely freeze Cajun White Chicken Chili! Cool it completely, then ladle into freezer-safe containers or bags (leaving a little space for expansion). Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer the chili to a pot and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring often. A splash of broth or cream can help loosen it up if it’s gotten thick. For microwave reheating, cover and use low power, stirring halfway to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just add it after sautéing the vegetables and continue with the recipe as usual. It shaves off prep time without sacrificing flavor.

How spicy is Cajun White Chicken Chili?

It has a warming, zesty kick thanks to Cajun seasoning and jalapeño, but you control the heat. Use less jalapeño or a milder Cajun blend for a gentle flavor, or ramp it up with extra spices if you love things fiery.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you need a swap, try full-fat Greek yogurt or a little more heavy cream for a similar creamy texture. Just note that the tanginess and body may be slightly different, but the chili will still be delicious.

Is Cajun White Chicken Chili gluten-free?

Yes—this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check that your Cajun seasoning and chicken broth are GF certified if needed, especially for sensitive eaters.

Can I make this in the slow cooker?

You sure can! Add all ingredients except cream cheese, heavy cream, lime juice, and cilantro to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4, then stir in the cream cheese and cream until melted, finish with lime juice and cilantro before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a comforting meal with bold, uplifting flavors, Cajun White Chicken Chili is about to steal your heart. This recipe is as easy as it is satisfying—perfect for cozy dinners and lively gatherings alike. Grab your pot and get ready to make a new family favorite!